July 2022 - cypherpunks@lists.ogf.org

Filter protocols all the rage
by professor rat 28 Jul '22

28 Jul '22

First the Secret Service decided to assess all threats when they had previously investigated all threats to 'protected persons' ( sic ) Now . . . kyledcheney · 5h NEWS: DOJ (via AUSA Thomas Windom) says it has obtained a second search warrant for John EASTMAN's phone and is implementing a "filter protocol" to ensure privileged material isn't accessed. . . . " Oh my. Whatever could be next? Some sort of Chinese-style filter on small-fry crypto-transactions? What a world.

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Cryptocurrency: World Waking Up To Crypto Economics
by grarpamp 28 Jul '22

28 Jul '22

Following today's meeting of the Federal Reserve, Bitcoin's monetary policy remains unchanged. https://v.redd.it/0xuetsijq2e91 Fox Babes Talk Bitcoin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG5c8nhR3LE Number of nominally amateur videos on Sound Money exploding in recent years. Number of worthless unsound cryptos also exploding. Whether Fiat or Crypto or Gold or anything else, if it's not the least inflator, it's a shitcoin hold in the end. Exit to a superior form of money, non-inflating privacy-enabled p2p pow storage-free. Crypto communities are quietly talking, candidates are starting to appear out there. "Bitcoin hater argues that fiat is better because government can use guns to force you to use it" What is interesting is the question "what is 'might makes right' in our future?" Missiles taking out a mining data center? Missiles taking out a Bitcoin whale and his/her private key, effectively increasing the value of everyone else's BTC? ASIC chip fabs only selling to certain customers or countries? Bitcoin regulations and sanctions? High transaction fees for some class of individuals and low for others? Geo-political instability with power and resources.... Or just war? A developer blocking a pull request (PR) from someone? Or merging code that is to their own benefit?

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Fwd: Larson FOIL 3rd Extension letter (Apple Card Report)
by Gunnar Larson 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> Date: Tue, Jul 26, 2022, 4:21 PM Subject: Re: Larson FOIL 3rd Extension letter (Apple Card Report) To: Garvin, Sheila Y (DHR) <Sheila.Garvin(a)dhr.ny.gov> Cc: Paasewe, Siaka (DHR) <Siaka.Paasewe(a)dhr.ny.gov>, Weber, Richard (DFS) < Richard.weber(a)dfs.ny.gov>, Harris, Adrienne A (DFS) < Adrienne.Harris(a)dfs.ny.gov>, Alexi Anania <a(a)xny.io> Hello: There are Women and Girls everywhere. How do wel not know these techniques concerning Goldman Sachs and Apple are not purvasive. If you have collected some records now, given the 3rd extension, May we review what you have. We want to preclude DHR of obstruction of justice. Thank you, Gunnar Larson On Tue, Jul 26, 2022, 3:51 PM Garvin, Sheila Y (DHR) < Sheila.Garvin(a)dhr.ny.gov> wrote: > Dear Mr. Larson: > > > > Pursuant to your request, please see the attached. > > > > *Best,* > > > > *Sheila Garvin* > > > > > > *DHR Records Access Clerk* > > *Legal Management Records Unit* > > One Fordham Plaza, 4th Floor, Bronx, NY 10458 > > Tele: (718) 741-8423/ e-Fax: (718) 741-8256 > > *foil(a)dhr.ny.gov <foil(a)dhr.ny.gov>* > > *Sheila.Garvin(a)dhr.ny.gov <Sheila.Garvin(a)dhr.ny.gov>* > > *www.dhr.ny.gov <http://www.dhr.ny.gov/>* > > > > *This transmission and its attachments may contain confidential or > privileged information, which is intended for use by the individual or > entity to which the transmission is addressed. If you are not the intended > recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, > copying, or distribution of this transmission or its attachments is > strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, > please notify the sender immediately at the above address and delete the > transmission and its attachments**.* > > > > > > > > >

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The Register: IBM puts NIST’s quantum-resistant crypto to work in Z16 mainframe
by jim bell 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

The Register: IBM puts NIST’s quantum-resistant crypto to work in Z16 mainframe. https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/07/27/z16_ibm_post… IBM puts NIST’s quantum-resistant crypto to work in Z16 mainframe Big Blue says it helped developed the algos, so knows what it's doing Simon Sharwood, APAC EditorWed 27 Jul 2022 // 06:30 UTC5 IBM has started offering quantum-resistant crypto – using the quantum-resistant crypto recommended by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Quantum computers are expected to be so powerful they’ll carve through conventional encryption, exposing secrets in seconds. China is felt to be stealing data today, safe in the knowledge its future quantum computers will be able to decrypt it in the near future. Other data, such as health information, is required to be kept for decades and the encryption used to protect it probably won’t survive the advent of quantum computers. To prevent such scenarios and offer long-term data security, NIST in 2017 initiated a post-quantum crypto project to develop ciphers that can be used with classical computers and survive decryption attempts made with quantum computers. As a result of those efforts, NIST selected two algorithms and two signature schemes as suitable to become standards. IBM today revealed it had a hand in the development of three of the four algorithms chosen by NIST, “along with partners from industry and academia.” - AWS buys before it tries with quantum networking center - Protecting data now as the quantum era approaches - Biden orders new quantum push to ensure encryption isn't cracked by rivals Big Blue also revealed that the Z16 mainframe it unveiled in April 2021 can use the CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium algorithms approved by NIST to create quantum-resistant digital signatures. To do so, the mainframe needs to include the Crypto Express 8S card, a device that IBM proclaimed was ready for post-quantum crypto because it employs lattice-based cryptography. News that IBM contributed to the NIST-approved algos, which use lattice-based cryptography, suggests Big Blue’s claim the Z16 was read for post-quantum crypto was no mere puffery. However IBM arrived at its April assertions, it’s now made them real and given all of us the chance to protect data more robustly than was previously possible which is surely welcome. And will be more welcome still once the same offering reaches more common and gently-priced machines than the Z16. ®

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BleepingComputer: Hackers scan for vulnerabilities within 15 minutes of disclosure
by jim bell 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

BleepingComputer: Hackers scan for vulnerabilities within 15 minutes of disclosure. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-scan-for-vulnerabili… System administrators have even less time to patch disclosed security vulnerabilities than previously thought, as a new report shows threat actors scanning for vulnerable endpoints within 15 minutes of a new CVE being publicly disclosed. According to Palo Alto's 2022 Unit 42 Incident Response Report, hackers are constantly monitoring software vendor bulletin boards for new vulnerability announcements they can leverage for initial access to a corporate network or to perform remote code execution.However, the speed at which threat actors begin scanning for vulnerabilities puts system administrators in the crosshairs as they race to patch the bugs before they are exploited. "The 2022 Attack Surface Management Threat Report found that attackers typically start scanning for vulnerabilities within 15 minutes of a CVE being announced," reads a companion blog post. Since scanning isn't particularly demanding, even low-skilled attackers can scan the internet for vulnerable endpoints and sell their findings on dark web markets where more capable hackers know how to exploit them. Then, within hours, the first active exploitation attempts are observed, often hitting systems that never had the chance to patch. Unit 42 presents CVE-2022-1388 as an example, a critical unauthenticated remote command execution vulnerability impacting F5 BIG-IP products.

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IEEE Spectrum: Micron Is First to Deliver 3D Flash Chips With More Than 200 Layers
by jim bell 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

IEEE Spectrum: Micron Is First to Deliver 3D Flash Chips With More Than 200 Layers. https://spectrum.ieee.org/micron-is-first-to-deliver-3d-flash-chips-with-mo… Boise, Idaho–based memory manufacturer Micron Technology says it has reached volume production of a 232-layer NAND flash-memory chip. It’s the first such chip to pass the 200-layer mark, and it’s been a tight race. Competitors are currently providing 176-layer technology, and some have said they are on track to follow Micron’s skyward move or already have working chips in hand. The new Micron tech as much as doubles the density of bits stored per unit area versus competing chips, packing in 14.6 gigabits per square millimeter. Its 1-terabit chips are bundled into 2-terabyte packages, each of which is barely more than a centimeter on a side and can store about two weeks worth of 4K video. With 81 trillion gigabytes (81 zettabytes) of data generated in 2021 and International Data Corp. (IDC) predicting 221 ZB in 2026, “storage has to innovate to keep up,” says Alvaro Toledo, Micron’s vice president of data-center storage. The move to 223 layers is a combination and extension of many technologies Micron has already deployed. To get a handle on them, you need to know the basic structure and function of 3D NAND flash. The chip itself is made up of a bottom layer of CMOS logic and other circuitry that’s responsible for controlling reading and writing operations and getting data on and off the chip as quickly and efficiently as possible. Improvements to this layer, such as optimizing the path data travels and reducing the capacitance of the chip’s inputs and outputs, yielded a 50 percent improvement in the data transfer rate to 2.4 Gb/s. Above the CMOS are layers upon layers of NAND flash cells. Unlike other devices, Flash-memory cells are built vertically. They start as a (relatively) deep, narrow hole etched through alternating layers of conductor and insulator. Then the holes are filled with material and processed to form the bit-storing part of the device. It’s the ability to reliably etch and fill the holes through all those layers that’s a key limit to the technology. Instead of etching through all 232 layers in one go, Micron’s process builds them in two parts and stacks one atop the other. Even so, “it’s an astounding engineering feat,” says Alvaro. “That was one of the biggest challenges we overcame.” According to Toledo, there is a path toward even more layers in future NAND chips. “There are definitely challenges,” he says. But “we haven’t seen the end of that path.” In addition to adding more and more layers, NAND flash makers have been increasing the density of stored bits by packing multiple bits into a single device. Each of the Micron chip’s memory cells is capable of storing three bits per cell. That is, the charge stored in each cell produces a distinct enough effect to discern eight different states. Though 3-bit-per-cell products (called TLC) are the majority, four-bit products (called QLC) are also available. One QLC chip presented by Western Digital researchers at the IEEE International Solid State Circuits Conference earlier this year achieved a 15 Gb/mm2 areal density in a 162-layer chip. And Kioxia engineers reported 5-bit cells last month at the IEEE Symposium on VLSI Technology and Circuits. There has even been a 7-bit cell demonstrated, but it required dunking the chip in 77-kelvin liquid nitrogen

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Jan6: Iraq Goes Gangnam Style, Copycats American Sit-In
by grarpamp 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

https://twitter.com/Joyce_Karam/status/1552330793678262279 https://twitter.com/Joyce_Karam/status/1552337293012344841 https://twitter.com/alsharqiyatv/status/1552331270197317635 Protestors in Baghdad have stormed into #Iraq’s Parliament inside the Green Zone in biggest demonstration since 2020. Mostly followers of Shia cleric Muqtada Sadr. Iraqi protestors are now inside the Parliament chamber, standing on desks, grabbing documents, folders, dusters and whatever they come across. Caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi demanded that the demonstrators "immediately withdraw" from the Green Zone, warning that he would send additional security forces to ensure "the protection of state institutions and foreign missions, and prevent any harm to security and order." Lol. Iraq overthrows its Parliament. Today, they are free and happy. Tomorrow, they will unfortunately repeat exactly what all you fools throughout history have done before... They will install an even worse tyranny over themselves, thus completely and permanently wiping out all the freedom they had so happily won and enjoyed for a moment the day before. Overthrow, occupy, squat... is becoming a worldwide sport vs power. So next time you're in one, and you will be... be different than all the rest, become and remain free, by refusing to install anything over top of Freedom. Iraqi Protesters Storm Parliament Amid Record Run Without Government On Wednesday hundreds of followers of the hardline Iraqi Shia cleric, militia leader, and politician Muqtada al-Sadr overwhelmed security in Baghdad's Green Zone, where they were able to breach and storm the country's parliament building. The protests came amid political friction which pits al-Sadr's bloc, which won a majority as the largest faction in the 329-seat parliament during prior October elections, against the pro-Iran Coordination Framework faction. The latter group's nomination for prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, is being fiercely opposed by al-Sadr's followers. BREAKING: Protestors in Baghdad have stormed into #Iraq’s Parliament inside the Green Zone in biggest demonstration since 2020. Mostly followers of Shia cleric Muqtada Sadr: pic.twitter.com/RBlm9xpGFS — Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) July 27, 2022 The high secured Green Zone has since the US invasion and occupation of Iraq been home to all major government branches, embassies and diplomatic missions, and international institutions. However, some local correspondents have suggested based on video to emerge of the protests that security stood down after being overwhelmed by the crowds. Police were seen milling about the building alongside protesters. There were reportedly no Iraqi lawmakers inside parliament at the time, with the crowds occupying the building and chanting political slogans. Caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi demanded that the demonstrators "immediately withdraw" from the Green Zone, warning that he would send additional security forces to ensure "the protection of state institutions and foreign missions, and prevent any harm to security and order." كافيتيريا مجلس النواب العراقي تغص بالمتظاهرين#الشرقية_نيوز pic.twitter.com/axI6xMIJID — AlSharqiya TV - قناة الشرقية (@alsharqiyatv) July 27, 2022 The country's politics have been gridlocked and essentially without a new government ever since the October vote. Reuters notes that "Iraq marked its longest post-election deadlock on Wednesday, as lawmakers’ failure to form a government hampers reforms needed for a country struggling to recover from decades of conflict." Video from within the Parliament building where soldiers causally let Sadri protesters walk around but tell them not to break anything #Iraq pic.twitter.com/qHHAeNwQWE — Mohammad Ali Musawi (@malimusawi) July 27, 2022 "More than nine months since an October election, lawmakers tasked with choosing a president and prime minister looked no closer to an agreement, bringing Iraq to a record 290 days without a head of state or cabinet," the report describes. Nor are they necessary, in fact of history, they're proven to always be harmful.

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Re: please clarify your FOIL request re DFS appeals procedures FOIL-2022-091931-017884
by Gunnar Larson 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

Dear DFS: These are simple and/or record requests. So send whatever you can. Gunnar On Wed, Jul 27, 2022, 2:34 PM <George.Bogdan(a)dfs.ny.gov> wrote: > Dear Mr. Larson: > > You made the following request by e mail to Christine Tomczak of the DFS > Office of General Counsel: > > "We would like to receive any and all records concerning the nature FOIL > requests under appeal are managed. > > > > This may include a handbook or other guide with detailed instructions > concerning precluding any obstruction claims." > > > Please clarify what you mean by the phrase "concerning the nature FOIL > requests under appeal are managed" and what you mean by "obstruction > claims." > > DFS follows what is required by Public Officers Law Article 6, the > Committee on Open Government’s regulations (21 NYCRR 1401), and DFS’ own > regulation, 23 NYCRR 3. I assume you are requesting only internal DFS > documents and not public legal documents. > > Sincerely, > George Bogdan > DFS Records Access Officer > > > > > > > > > > > > Tracking Number:FOIL-2022-091931-017884 >

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Fwd: FOIL DHSES-22-07-012
by Gunnar Larson 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: DHSES, FOIL (DHSES) <FOIL.DHSES(a)dhses.ny.gov> Date: Wed, Jul 27, 2022, 12:37 PM Subject: FOIL DHSES-22-07-012 To: G(a)xny.io <G(a)xny.io> Attached please find correspondence regarding the above Freedom of Information Law request. Thank you.

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Jurisdiction shopping for Dummies
by professor rat 27 Jul '22

27 Jul '22

Here a quotation from a book I've been reading: "The eurocurrency markets represent a type of regulatory arbitrage. Eurobanking is a managed financial package that combines the currency of one country (one regulatory environment) with the banking regulations and competitive efficiencies of another country. This repackaging was made possible by improvements in worldwide communications links and information technology. If the regulatory burden becomes too high in one area of the world, the bundle of eurobanking services can be reassembled in another. Hence, national regulators must compete to maintain their respective shares of the eurocurrency business. Competition with respect to lending quotas, reserve requirements, capital requirements, deposit insurance, the taxing and reporting of interest payments, and the taxing of profits, dividends, and capital gains, all measured against any perceived positive benefits of local regulation, governs the geographical distribution of eurocurrency market shares." From _International Financial Markets_, by J. Orlin Grabbe, formerly of the Wharton School. Regulatory arbitrage is an Important concept, as well as a great phrase. The writer is square in the middle of the mainstream in the business world, and note how effortlessly he speaks of avoiding governments and playing them off against each other.... https://marc.info/?t=96583955000001&r=1&w=1

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